You’d be surprised how much the shape of the sink will affect the way you use it. If your sink is curved and shallow, it’s going to be a juggling act to wash and stack dishes, or do just about anything easily.

First off, look for straight sidewalls with a minimal curve at the bottom corners and a wide, flat-ish bottom. This is going to keep you sane when balancing wine glasses and plates and maximize your work space. You should also consider number of bowls- one bowl is great for washing large pots and pans, but some people like compartmentalization for multi-tasking. It comes down to what you want.

For more on the knitty-gritty in choosing a sink try this post, and for more on number of bowls, try this one.

Thanks for your question, and hope you find a sink you love!

So what’s up with all the chatter about sink bowl shape? I thought the sides/bottom shape were all the same [?]

Mo

Thanks for the great recap of my contribution to an article for Kitchen & Bath Design News!

I didn’t realize all stainless steel sinks were not created equal — I thought, steel was steel was steel. Apparently not!

I soooo appreciate all your insights and leveling the playing field on what makes a quality sink! AND, those ‘posers,’ who sell cheap sinks cheaply, through thinly veiled sites should be exposed for what they are.

Thanks again!

Iz

I think the important thing to take away is that you should feel good about what you get for your money. With a sink or home fixture, you can’t really assess quality just by looking at the product. That’s why I always urge shoppers to make sure a manufacturer adheres to the Uniform Plumbing Code and that their products have been inspected by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. They should also be a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and it should say so on their website.

Your kitchen is the heart of the home–you don’t want it broken by poor products with unfulfilled promises of quality. A sure way to be confident about your renovation decisions is to go with an established manufacturer that adheres to these industry guidelines. Plus, these brands provide more than product guidance. They’ll help you out in a pinch. A lifetime warranty isn’t any good if the company isn’t around to back it up.

I’m not familiar with the provider you mention, so I’m not referring to them specifically, but it’s always good advice for buyers to beware.

I wish you and your husband many happy meals in your new kitchen!